Lewis Gilbert Austin, 71, of Natural Bridge Station passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, at his home.

Born Jan. 6, 1955, he was a son of the late Paul David Austin and Bessie Thomas Austin.

Preceding him in death were his 16 siblings.

Lewis was retired from Burlington/Mohawk Industries with 40 years of service. He was currently employed with Rockbridge County Public Schools as a bus driver, where he took great pride in his job getting the children to and from school safely. He was an avid beekeeper, raising them and harvesting the honey.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Norma Powell Austin; daughters, Jennifer Austin and Brittany Hostetter (Cody); sons, Lewis D. Austin and Destry LaRue; six grandchildren, DJ (Brittany), Cortney, Austin, RJ, Aryiah and Jax; great-grandchildren, Mercadi, Aliyah, Tanner, Draecyn, Kolstyn, Wattsyn and Acelynn; special great-grandson that he loved very much, Zayden "Tootle" Hostetter; sisters, Minnie Cochran and Linda Rice; and brothers, Terry Bostic and Rodney Thomas.

A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Faith BaptistChurch in Natural Bridge Station with the Rev. Terry Bostic officiating. Burial will follow at private family cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at Harrison Funeral Home.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.